As beauty editors, we test a massive number of products—hair, body, makeup, and skincare—in any given year to recommend what really works, what’s worth it, what ingredients to look for, and the articles that are full marketing campaigns (hello, greenwash), interested only in your currency. As much fun as it is to try out new releases before they’re released, there’s only one few to which we return again and again, earning a permanent place in our medicine cabinets.
And because publishers and consumers alike are inundated with so many products on the market, we’re happy to do the dirty work for you and vet all the best products that catch our eye month after month. In May, we’re focusing on lightweight products that don’t feel greasy when applied but are just as effective as the rich creams, under-eye mascaras, and more intense winter fragrances we gladly ditch with the arrival of spring.
From hybrid skincare/makeup options, to lightweight serums and essences, to hydrating cleansing oils, here are the top beauty products that have us raving and leaving a lasting impression this month. More importantly, these are the products that will pay off.
At TZR we only include products that have been independently selected by our editors. We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
Face Gym Hydro-Bound Daily Serum
“I’ve been traveling a lot in the last few weeks and needed a product that was small enough to fit in my carry-on and equipped to give me glowing skin in climates it’s not normally exposed to. Face Gym Hydro-Bound Daily Serum has done just that. This little but mighty product blesses my skin with great hydration while still feeling light. I use it every morning and night and it has done wonders for the vibrancy of my complexion. A little goes a long way here: After using it for about six weeks, I’m only halfway through the bottle. A good investment for your money. — Natasha Marsh, Beauty Articles Writer, TZR
Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin SPF
“Apart from the occasional wedding or black-tie event, I don’t wear makeup on a daily basis. Lately, due to the use of masks, I have developed some blackheads and blemishes under my nose and on my chin. Fortunately, it will usually go away in a few days if left untouched, but the times I need to leave my house for a work meeting or meeting with friends, I’d rather not have acne on my face. and fair skin. I started trying Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50 over four weeks ago and have been impressed every day I use it. The innovative formula is way ahead of its time as it works to blend naturally with all skin tones, meaning there are no shades to tediously re-match. This is a very difficult concept to understand for my olive background and I have never been successful until now. When I apply it, the formula melts into my skin and completely blends with my complexion color. What I like most about it is the crazy glow it gives me, which is not too much but just perfect. It also hasn’t altered or lengthened my regimen, keeping it the third and final step in my skincare routine. I can say with confidence that this new staple is something I will definitely buy again.” – New Mexico
Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Eye Serum
“I am obsessed with this eye serum. It absorbs quickly but still makes my under eyes feel hydrated and supple for hours on end. In fact, I am often too generous when I pump it to be able to apply any excess product to the lines of the mouth and neck area.” — Angela Melero, executive editor, TZR
kinship self love
“This sunscreen eliminates the need to take care of your skin in the morning! I usually just wash my face, apply a serum or face oil and then finish off with this SPF and I’m good to go. The subtle shimmer also leaves my skin looking radiant, which is why I usually skip foundation and just let my complexion glow.” – AM
Thanks Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream
“This is one of my favorite sunscreens because it smells great, doesn’t leave a white patch on my face, and gives me a slight glazed donut look when I apply it. Even when I’m experiencing a breakout, this sunscreen is gentle enough to use on my pimples and keeps my skin hydrated throughout the day thanks to a blend of African Nut Oil, Inca Omega Oil, and Bamboo Extracts. (One should be aware that this product contains chemical and mineral ingredients, if that concerns you.) I have been waiting for this product to be available again and now that it has, I am adding another one to my virtual. STAT checkout cart.” — Marina Liao, Senior Fashion News Editor, TZR
Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter
“I have drier skin, which unfortunately includes my hands. I never go anywhere without hand lotion and one of my favorites has been this Josie Maran Multi-Purpose Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter. I use it on my hands, neck, legs (now that it’s dress and shorts weather), and with all the reapplication, I get through the tube pretty quickly. It’s very hydrating and I’ve already bought five more of these babies so it will be my body butter for the rest of the summer.” — ML
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer with Squalene
“I tend to finish one product and then move on to a new one. But I just finished my second Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream and am considering buying a third, it’s that good. It’s the ideal thickness, smooth but light, so it does its job as a cream, but absorbs within an hour of application, depending on how dry my skin is that day. I used it throughout the year and sometimes at night when the night cream felt too thick and heavy for my skin. I find it difficult to find the right balance of moisture and texture with day creams, especially one to use in all four seasons. I know I will use this over and over again.” — Kathy Lee, Editor-in-Chief, TZR
Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil
“I love this oil cleanser because it moisturizes and protects the skin barrier on my face while getting rid of the makeup and NYC pollution that settled on my skin that day. It cleans without leaving any residue and is gentle for daily use.” — KL
Vertly Lip Butter
“I live for a lip moment when it comes to my makeup, and in the summer that means easy-to-use tinted butters and balms. This CBD-enriched formula not only gives my lips a pillow-soft finish and keeps my lips hydrated for hours, it also gives the most beautiful rosy blush that looks just like my lips but better. I have gifted this to all the women in my family and will be ordering again quickly to keep my supply in stock.” — Hannah Baxter, Associate Beauty Editor, TZR
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
“Using an essence in my skincare routine is non-negotiable as I have dry skin, and SK-II’s signature Pitera ingredient (or fermented yeast) keeps my skin smooth and supple year after year; seriously, I’ve been through about five large bottles at this point. The 50 added nutrients and vitamins penetrate my skin and leave it feeling incredibly nourished. And, yes, I actually see a difference when I forget to back up my travel size bottle on vacation. I know it’s an expensive skincare splurge, but I’ll happily do it again and again for the sake of my healthy, glowing complexion. I’m almost down to the last drop, so it’s time to reorder!” —HB
Laneige Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser
“This is my first bottle of this product and to say I loved it is an understatement. After trying it out for the first time a few months ago, she quickly replaced the oil cleanser he had been using. I love the milky texture that melts into a light oil when it is worked on my skin. Even more, I love that it emulsifies and washes off easily without leaving any film or residue on my face. While it’s sad to part with this bottle, it’s actually not that sad, my next bottle is already on its way to me.” — Annie Blay, Associate Beauty News Editor, TZR
BeautyStat Universal Pro-Bio Boosting Moisturizer
“When it comes to moisturizers, my oily skin prefers the lighter variety, so it’s no surprise how well this lightweight cream from BeautyStat suited me. This product was my introduction to the brand and it definitely left a good impression on me. The Moisture Boost Cream is an airy, oil-free formula packed with ceramides that leave my skin feeling well hydrated but never greasy. And the fact that BeautyStat is black-owned made using this even more enjoyable.” — AB
Suntegrity Skincare Face 5 in 1 SPF30
“Look, as someone who has been working in the fashion and beauty industry for over a decade… I know, I know, I know you’re supposed to slather on sunscreen every day AND reapply it. But I? Of course not. As someone with two small children and a full-time job, I have about five minutes in the morning to put something on my face. Fortunately, though, this lightly tinted 5-in-1 SPF lotion packs hydration, sun protection, acne treatment, primer, and concealer all in one quick step. At the very least, I always put it on after I shower, and when I start to wear out, I cut off the top and scrape off what I can until I get a replacement.” — Alison Syrett, Associate Fashion Editor, TZR
Tammy Fender Cleansing Milk
“Okay yeah, maybe $60 is too much for a cleaner. But listen to me! Not only does it need the tiniest amount to melt away the day’s makeup, but using it really is the most relaxing, spa-like experience – I love gently rubbing it onto my face, then rinsing it off with a super-hot towel. It usually takes me several weeks to go through a container and then when I get to the end I tip it upside down in a cap of shaving cream so I can literally squeeze out every last drop. Bonus: Once empty, the bottle makes the cutest vase for single-stemmed flowers.” – WHAT
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